Deploying Feminism: The Role of Gender in NATO Military Operations

International organizations and governments want to increase women's participation in military operations and peacebuilding. Gender equality is increasingly seen as the antidote to conflict, a key factor in achieving stability. In Deploying Feminism, Stefanie von Hlatky tells the story of how the military has been delegated to advance gender equality as part of their activities, while simultaneously tackling increasingly complex threats. She illustrates how NATO, the world's foremost alliance, has even embedded these ideas in the planning and execution of its missions. However, due to the military's focus on operational effectiveness above all else, von Hlatky argues that there is a distortion of WPS norms, as gender equality concerns fade into the background.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

International organizations and governments are increasingly seeking to increase women's participation in military operations and peacebuilding efforts. Gender equality is recognized as a critical factor in achieving stability and mitigating conflicts. While feminist activism played a significant role in the emergence of these norms on gender and conflict, they have been institutionalized through the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The military has been at the forefront of these changes, with NATO as a prominent example.

In her book "Deploying Feminism," Stefanie von Hlatky explores how the military has been delegated authority to advance gender equality as part of its activities. Through fieldwork and interviews, she illustrates how NATO has embedded these ideas in the planning and execution of its missions. For troops deployed on NATO missions, this often involves seeking out women in their operating area to improve intelligence gathering activities. While this may help the mission, it raises questions about whether it truly benefits women and conflict-affected communities.

Von Hlatky argues that the military's focus on operational effectiveness above all else leads to a distortion of WPS norms. Gender equality concerns often fade into the background, overshadowed by the need for military effectiveness. This distortion has implications for the broader goals of WPS, which aim to promote women's rights, protect women from violence, and ensure their participation in decision-making processes.

Looking at NATO's ongoing operations in Iraq, Kosovo, and the Baltics, "Deploying Feminism" details the process by which WPS norms are militarized and put at the service of operational effectiveness. It highlights the challenges faced by women in these contexts and the need for an adjustment to prioritize gender equality in military planning and operations.

The book emphasizes the importance of integrating gender equality into all aspects of military planning and operations. It calls for a shift in mindset and culture that recognizes the unique contributions and challenges faced by women in conflict zones. This includes addressing issues such as gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and the participation of women in decision-making processes.

Furthermore, "Deploying Feminism" argues that an adjustment is necessary for gender equality to become a true planning priority. It suggests that gender equality should be integrated into all aspects of military planning, from the initial stages of mission planning to the post-conflict phase. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders, including military personnel, civilian officials, and local communities.

In conclusion, "Deploying Feminism" provides a valuable insight into how WPS norms are militarized and put at the service of operational effectiveness. It highlights the need for an adjustment to prioritize gender equality in military planning and operations to achieve the broader goals of WPS and promote women's rights and well-being in conflict-affected communities. By integrating gender equality into all aspects of military planning, we can create a more inclusive and effective approach to achieving stability and peace.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197653524